There's no sight in China more famous than the ancient Great Wall, a structure that not only has a deep cultural and historical significance for Chinese people, but has also fascinated foreigners since they first stepped foot on the Silk Road. For centuries, it has been said that the Great Wall of China is so mighty that it can be seen from the moon, and while this is most definitely not true, the wall it one of the few man-made structure to be visible from a low orbit around the planet. Man... [ read more ]

When it comes to statues of Buddha, all over the world people seem to respect the same rule: make it as big, as detailed and valuable as possible. From Buddha statues made of solid gold or precious jade, to huge towering statues that are bigger than an apartment block, Buddha statues all over China are nothing less than jaw-dropping. Buddha, the founder of one of the most important religions in Asia, is honored with temples and statues that are a must-see for anyone who visits the country. S... [ read more ]

The charms of China are many and varied, but a large number of them come down to architecture and sheer artistic genius: temples, the Great Wall, the Forbidden City. China's history is littered with battles, emperors and intrigue, and much of these exciting events have centered around castles. Like in many other cultures, castles have been the seat of leaders, nobles, artists and scientists, and even if today they are nothing more than sights for tourists, they still preserve much of their g... [ read more ]

Shanghai is the epicenter of change in China, a land that never stops transforming, but even on an international scale this city is one of the most dynamic places on the planet. Today it is the home of business tycoons who build futuristic towers, of venues where one can party all night with the young and the reckless residents of the city, and shopping centers the size of cities. But there is a historical side to Shanghai too, and although the city is resolute on looking forward, it doesn't... [ read more ]

The proud and ancient city of Xian has been the capital of China for over a thousand years, under the rule of a dozen dynasties and many remarkable rulers. A city such as this could not avoid becoming a center for art, culture and knowledge, and even today, when its glory has faded considerably, Xian is still enveloped in some of the past mystique. A visit to Xian is an essential part of any travel experience in China, not only because it holds some of the most dramatic sights in the country... [ read more ]

Of all the countless Chinese holidays, none is better know or more fun for Chinese and foreigners alike than the Chinese New Year. If in the western parts of the world the New Year is celebrated in the middle of winter, the Chinese New Year seems to take place at a more fitting time - the beginning of Spring, a time of renewal. The celebration of the New Year starts on the first day of the first month of the lunar calendar, and ends 15 days later, with the resplendent Lantern Festival. If yo... [ read more ]

Buddhists and Taoists in China have beautiful and ancient temples where they can pay their respects to their deities, but man-made buildings, no matter how intricate and lovingly constructed, have to rival with nature's wonders when it comes to how sacred their are. Mountains have always had a special place in Chinese religions, either because they were thought to support the sky, or because they were home to mystics and sages. Fact is, even today mountains are revered and they are a place o... [ read more ]

In a sharp contradiction of all stereotypes that have ever circulated about Asia, China is one of the most culturally diverse places on the planet. Although much of the population is Buddhist (over 80%), there are many other religions that have their adepts in this vast country. So if you are interested in sacred places, then will see Buddhist temples, Tao shrines and Christian churches or Muslim mosques. Travelers who are interested in the beauty and/or spiritual meaning of Buddhist or Taoi... [ read more ]